IHS Conference & Research Grant

You’re a motivated graduate student who’s moving toward an academic career. You have an incredible paper that you’re going to be presenting at a conference. You’re ready to share your ideas with your professional community.

You’re also looking for resources to help you accomplish all of this.

The IHS Conference & Research Grant provides up to $750 to cover travel costs and fees for career-related expenses.

The Grant is awarded on a rolling basis to current graduate students advancing the principles of freedom through their career. Eligible activities include, but are not limited to:

Presentations at academic or professional conferences

Travel to academic job interviews on a campus or at professional/academic conferences

Travel to archives or libraries for research

Participation in career-development or enhancing seminars

Submission of unpublished manuscripts to journals or book publishers

Please note, Conference & Research Grants cannot be used solely for conference attendance. Funding will only be considered for individuals presenting a paper or interviewing for a job at a conference.

If you have previously participated in an IHS academic program or discussed your academic career with a member of IHS staff, please apply through the Hayek Fund for Scholars.

How Do I Apply?

Applications for the IHS Conference & Research Grant are accepted on a rolling basis, and must be submittedonline at least fourweeks before your activity. Applications should be submitted through your existing IHS account. You may save your application and return later to submit it. (If you have previously participated in an IHS academic program or discussed your academic career with a member of IHS staff, please apply through the Hayek Fund for Scholars.)

Your completed Conference & Research Grant application must include the following items:

A completed online application form

Your CV or resume

An itemized list of expenses

For those seeking the scholarship for career development you will also need:

A summary of your presentation, such as an abstract or copy of the paper you intend to present at a conference, a description of arranged interviews, or a description of your planned research (e.g., a dissertation proposal)

A brief essay, no more than 500 words, describing how your proposed activity will advance your career

A brief essay, no more than 500 words, describing how your proposed activity advances our understanding of the principles, practices, and institutions necessary for a free society or our understanding of the classical liberal or libertarian tradition

Applications for the IHS Conference & Research Grant are accepted year-round on a rolling basis.

Applicants will be notified of the committee’s decision within four weeks of submission. You must submit your application at least four weeks before your fundable activity, or it may not be reviewed in time for the fundable activity. Awards are disbursed after the awardee presents original receipts.

Awards are only granted for future activities, and are not awarded retroactively.

Previous Conference & Research Grant Winners

IHS Conference & Research Grants have supported scholars across a range of disciplines and activities:

Corey DeAngelis, University of Arkansas, Education

Awarded for presenting his paper, The School Choice Voucher: A Get Out of Jail Card?, at the Southern Political Science Association 2016.

Kevin Burns, Baylor University, Political Science

Awarded for presenting his paper, William Howard Taft’s Constitutional Progressivism, at the Northeast Political Science Association 2015.

Ramon Lopez. University of Chicago, Political Science

Awarded for presenting his paper, Reconsidering the Ontology of the Political Self, at the Northeast Political Science Association 2015.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are international students eligible for funding from the IHS Conference & Research Grant?

PhD students currently enrolled in graduate school are eligible for awards from the IHS Conference & Research Grant regardless of their nationality.

Are students of any university eligible for the IHS Conference & Research Grant?

Yes. Students of any university may apply for this fund.

How long does it take the committee to make a decision?

Applicants will be notified of the committee’s decision within four weeks of submitting an application. Note: you must submit your application at least four weeks in advance of your fundable activity. Awards are only granted for anticipated future activities, and cannot be awarded retroactively.

Can I apply even if I have participated in other IHS academic programs?

If you have already participated in one of our academic programs or discussed your academic career with staff, you should apply through the Hayek Fund for Scholars. If you do not see the correct application, please contact us.

I am attending an IHS summer seminar. Does this qualify for an IHS Conference & Research Grant?

Typically, no. The IHS Conference & Research Grant is not for attendance at a conference alone, so our summer seminars typically do not qualify.

I presented a paper several weeks ago. May I apply for the Grant ex-post?

We do not give awards after an event. Remember, applications must be submitted at least fourweeks in advance of your fundable activity, otherwise it may not be reviewed in time. Awards are only granted for anticipated future activities.

Is there a deadline to apply for the Grant?

No. Applications are accepted year-round on a rolling basis. There is no deadline to apply, but applications must be submitted at least four weeks before the event. The majority of awards are made in the fall and spring.

What kind of project is typically awarded a grant from the IHS Conference & Research Grant?

Successful projects vary greatly, from a paper presentation at the American Political Science Association’s annual meeting to a job interview in New Zealand. To be certain, however, all projects funded are seen to further an understanding of the classical liberal tradition.

Who may apply for the IHS Conference & Research Grant?

Current graduate students are eligible to apply.

Are applications still accepted by mail, or email?

Applications are no longer accepted through the mail or email. Applicants must apply using our online form.